Certified Honda's...Opinions wanted...Long
 

Greetings

This isn't a buyer's remorse, because I really like driving this vehicle,
better than my old Prelude.

A couple years ago, we purchased a Certified 03 Element for the daughter.
Was very pleased with what we purchased, and said our next vehicle probably
would be a Certified Honda.

Wife had a 98 Olds Intrigue, and was due for a newer vehicle, since the
Olds was becoming a money pit.

Bought a certified 07 Accord Sedan EX-L, a couple weeks ago, from a
different dealer. The car was dusty when we checked it over, while signing
the papers on it, they washed it. We seen a few spots on the hood, like
tree sap. No big problem, I'll get it off with bug/tar remover, so I
thought.

I washed the thing last week, noticed they must've tried to buff out the
hood too much. Can see gray beneath the black, and those spots I thought
was sap, are actually clear coat chips. Hundreds of them. Also noticed at
one time, someone must've run the wiper blades down to far, scratches in
the glass. Noticed the car must've been in an unreported accident, since
none had shown up on the CarFax. The one stone guard is pulled away from
the front fender, but underneath by (rocker panel?) is scraped up. This
couldn't be seen looking at the car, I actually just felt it while washing.
Upon further inspection, while laying on the ground checking it out, the
front bumper (fascia?) where it meets the front fender is cracked right on
the seam. Didn't even really notice this, until drying it off. The area
cracked is about 3" long.

So, last week, the little wrench light came on. There was only 15% oil life
left. She took it in today, had the oil changed, and they charged her for
it. She came home and told me, needless to say I'm livid. Not only about
the oil, but what I read on the Honda site, on how they're supposed to be
Certified. The unreported/hidden damage could've have easily been observed
on the rack, had they had it there to change the oil. You would think the
service department would've checked the service record. If no record, they
should have done it for nothing, since it was supposed to be Certified. She
only had 700 miles on the car so far, and the majority is because she drove
it out of state last week.

Upon checking out the Honda site, I found the 150 point inspection check
list. Including "Minimum replacement items" #4: Engine & oil & filter--with
Genuine Honda filer. #17 Nearest scheduled maintenance must be performed
if within 3 months or 2,500 miles of service interval, or if no record of
service exists.

Under "Exterior" section:
#130 Front bumper---fascia, guards, finish
#132 Hood--- emblems & finish
#144 Windshield/glass--- cracks, chips, scratches, pitting.

Since the car is in her name, she called the salesman today. He said he
will look into it. I have my thoughts on that one, since he hasn't replied.

Anyways, I believe the dealer sold this as a Certified to get the extra $$,
without actually certifying per Honda's standards. Here's Honda's link.
http://automobiles.honda.com/certifi...ards-list.aspx

What would you expect the dealer to take care of, if it were you?

Thanks, and I'll follow up "if" & when we hear back from the dealer.

Re: Certified Honda's...Opinions wanted...Long
 

KL wrote:
> Greetings
>
> This isn't a buyer's remorse, because I really like driving this vehicle,
> better than my old Prelude.
>
> A couple years ago, we purchased a Certified 03 Element for the daughter.
> Was very pleased with what we purchased, and said our next vehicle probably
> would be a Certified Honda.
>
> Wife had a 98 Olds Intrigue, and was due for a newer vehicle, since the
> Olds was becoming a money pit.
>
> Bought a certified 07 Accord Sedan EX-L, a couple weeks ago, from a
> different dealer. The car was dusty when we checked it over, while signing
> the papers on it, they washed it. We seen a few spots on the hood, like
> tree sap. No big problem, I'll get it off with bug/tar remover, so I
> thought.
>
> I washed the thing last week, noticed they must've tried to buff out the
> hood too much. Can see gray beneath the black, and those spots I thought
> was sap, are actually clear coat chips. Hundreds of them. Also noticed at
> one time, someone must've run the wiper blades down to far, scratches in
> the glass. Noticed the car must've been in an unreported accident, since
> none had shown up on the CarFax. The one stone guard is pulled away from
> the front fender, but underneath by (rocker panel?) is scraped up. This
> couldn't be seen looking at the car, I actually just felt it while washing.
> Upon further inspection, while laying on the ground checking it out, the
> front bumper (fascia?) where it meets the front fender is cracked right on
> the seam. Didn't even really notice this, until drying it off. The area
> cracked is about 3" long.
>
> So, last week, the little wrench light came on. There was only 15% oil life
> left. She took it in today, had the oil changed, and they charged her for
> it. She came home and told me, needless to say I'm livid. Not only about
> the oil, but what I read on the Honda site, on how they're supposed to be
> Certified. The unreported/hidden damage could've have easily been observed
> on the rack, had they had it there to change the oil. You would think the
> service department would've checked the service record. If no record, they
> should have done it for nothing, since it was supposed to be Certified. She
> only had 700 miles on the car so far, and the majority is because she drove
> it out of state last week.
>
> Upon checking out the Honda site, I found the 150 point inspection check
> list. Including "Minimum replacement items" #4: Engine & oil & filter--with
> Genuine Honda filer. #17 Nearest scheduled maintenance must be performed
> if within 3 months or 2,500 miles of service interval, or if no record of
> service exists.
>
> Under "Exterior" section:
> #130 Front bumper---fascia, guards, finish
> #132 Hood--- emblems & finish
> #144 Windshield/glass--- cracks, chips, scratches, pitting.
>
> Since the car is in her name, she called the salesman today. He said he
> will look into it. I have my thoughts on that one, since he hasn't replied.
>
> Anyways, I believe the dealer sold this as a Certified to get the extra $$,
> without actually certifying per Honda's standards. Here's Honda's link.
> http://automobiles.honda.com/certifi...ards-list.aspx
>
> What would you expect the dealer to take care of, if it were you?
>
> Thanks, and I'll follow up "if" & when we hear back from the dealer.
>
>
>
>
>
>

"Certified" used cars are a way to make more money for dealers.
Even following the standards doesn't guarantee a great vehicle. It's
better to buy from a dealer known to be good than to buy "certified"
from an unknown or shady dealer, as you have learned. The designation
isn't usually *worthless*, but it sure isn't all you need to look for.

Re: Certified Honda's...Opinions wanted...Long
 

"Leftie" <No@Thanks.net> wrote in message
news:sV9Em.10630$MZ1.3437@newsfe11.iad...

> "Certified" used cars are a way to make more money for dealers. Even
> following the standards doesn't guarantee a great vehicle. It's better to
> buy from a dealer known to be good than to buy "certified" from an
> unknown or shady dealer, as you have learned. The designation isn't
> usually *worthless*, but it sure isn't all you need to look for.

Actually, I have an update.

The dealer is taking care of every problem I pointed out. They're giving a
courteous car to us until they get done resolving every issue.

The GM even agreed the car must meet Honda's standards, otherwise it can't
be sold as certified. He didn't get involved, until I told the used car
manager, I just wanted to know where they stand, b/4 I contact Honda. Honda
like most other manufacturers do not want to hear complaints. Dealers earn
awards through the manufacturer, based on customer satisfaction. The least
of my complaint, the oil change issue, is being resolved by giving us 6
free oil changes.

IMHO, my 2 experiences buying certified is well worth the extra $ spent.